NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Burlington Chamber of Commerce announces its 2026 Business Excellence Award winners
BURLINGTON, Ont., May 14, 2026 — The Burlington Chamber of Commerce welcomed more than 500 guests to the 2026 Business Excellence Awards Gala, presented by RBC, on Wednesday evening at the Burlington Convention Centre. The annual event brought together Burlington’s business community for an evening celebrating the people and organizations helping shape the city’s continued growth and success.
The gala recognized outstanding achievements across eight Chamber award categories, while also honouring recipients of the Mayor’s Resiliency Award and Burlington Economic Development + Tourism Awards. From emerging businesses to long-standing community leaders, this year’s finalists reflected the innovation and ambition driving Burlington forward.
“Each year, the Business Excellence Awards remind us just how strong and connected Burlington’s business community truly is,” says Terry Caddo, President and CEO of the Burlington Chamber of Commerce. “The finalists and winners recognized last night are making a real impact through their leadership and commitment to this community. It was an honour to celebrate their success.”
Finalists were first announced in February following a community-wide nomination process. Winners are selected by the Chamber’s Business Awards Task Force (BATF), a panel of experienced professionals who reviewed nominees based on business leadership, innovation, employee engagement, community involvement, sustainability, and overall business performance.
The 2026 Business Excellence Award winners are:
Charity / Not-for-Profit Award: Food for Life Inc.
Sponsored by Enbridge Gas
Environmental Impact Award: Anaergia Inc.
Sponsored by CN Rail
Heritage Award: The Burlington Historical Society
Sponsored by SOL Recycling
Large Business Award: Mohawk College
Sponsored by RBC
New Business of the Year Award: ERS Burlington
Sponsored by MNP LLP
Small Business Award: Gem Limousine Service
Sponsored by Cogeco
Women Business Leader Award: Kelly Hoey — HIEC
Sponsored by Scotiabank and Scotia Wealth Management
Young Entrepreneur Award: Keyon Silva — FP Fitness
Sponsored by HIEC
Burlington Economic Development + Tourism Award for Excellence in Global Business: Paybilt Inc.
Sponsored by Burlington Economic Development + Tourism
Burlington Economic Development + Tourism Award for Excellence in Innovation & Technology: DentalAssist.ai
Sponsored by Burlington Economic Development + Tourism
Burlington Economic Development + Tourism Award for Excellence in Retail Innovation: Backed by Bees
Sponsored by Burlington Economic Development + Tourism
Burlington Economic Development + Tourism Award for Excellence in Tourism Leadership: Dan Lawrie International — Burlington Waterfront Sculpture Tour
Sponsored by Burlington Economic Development + Tourism
2026 Mayor’s Resiliency Award: Laurel Steel, A Nucor Company
Sponsored by City of Burlington
The Burlington Chamber of Commerce congratulates all finalists and winners, and thanks the sponsors, partners, volunteers, and attendees who contributed to another memorable evening celebrating Burlington business.
About the Burlington Chamber of Commerce
Since opening its doors in 1947, the Burlington Chamber of Commerce has become one of the most effective grassroots business associations in the city, currently representing over 800 businesses across Burlington and the surrounding area. The Chamber serves businesses at the local, regional, provincial and national levels and, with its members, have the common goal of making Burlington a better place to do business and a better place to live.
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For more information, please contact:
Burlington Chamber of Commerce
info@burlingtonchamber.com
905-639-0174
